The Aztecs are playing in a conference currently rated No. 2 in RPI. Their strength of schedule, according to RPI, was the nation’s 67th most difficult last year. This year, it’s 48th and figures to climb higher.

It doesn’t make the close calls any less frustrating, particularly after dropping two games the way the Aztecs did last week – playing some of their best basketball of the season in hostile environments where their opponents are a combined 29-1 this season.

But Fisher also understands how college basketball works in this era, how what happens in January or February is less important than what happens in March. How it’s all about The Tournament.

One popular computer rating system, by stat guru Ken Pomeroy, actually had the Aztecs as 23rd at the start of the week, and 22nd Sunday following the two losses.

“I think that if we went back and looked at every game last year, and every game this year and how we’ve played, that we’re a better team this year,” Fisher said. “I know we’re a better defensive team, and I think we’re a better (overall) team.

“It probably won’t be translated into a record. But you never know, it might get translated into more success at the end of the season. Let’s hope.”

Injury updates

Fisher said James Rahon remains “day to day” after spraining his right shoulder in the opening minutes against UNLV. The team bused home from Las Vegas immediately after the game and didn’t arrive on campus until 2:45 a.m., so Sunday’s on-court practice was limited to a light walk-through without contact, which Rahon participated in.

As for himself, Fisher pronounced himself “fine” after colliding with UNLV’s Justin Hawkins on the sideline late in the first half and taking a hard tumble on his right hip. “I’m surprisingly good,” he said. “I was a little concerned. I’m sore, but I’m OK.”

Losing the close ones

Last season, SDSU went 9-3 in one-possession games (three points or less) inside a minute to go in regulation. This season, the Aztecs are a more mortal 3-5.